In working with plenty of student films, or productions unfamiliar with Steadicam, I find myself explaining what we do moreso through analogy. One analogy in particular helped me verbalize how we progress from newbie Steadicam operators into Operators:

Steadicam operation is like playing ice hockey. When someone decides they want to play ice hockey, they learn they first have to know how to skate. You must become so good at skating that when playing hockey you're not thinking about skating; you're thinking about the puck, the players, offsides, who to pass it to, when to take the shot, etc.

You look back at when you first put on skates: you were wobbly, hockey stops took a measured effort and forethought, foot positioning for a snapshot required planning, etc. Now, you don't even think about your feet; you hockey stop instinctively, with a split second reflex. You're always ready to take the shot or pass it. However, when you practice, you still go back to basics: step and slides, rapid slapshots, suicides up and down the ice.

Same goes for Steadicam. Eventually, your foot positioning for a lock-off becomes second nature. You're no longer thinking about how to keep the rig level; you're thinking about the best composition, watching eyelines, bogeys in your shot, etc. You're "playing the game".

For people who've never played hockey, perhaps there's a sport you can think of where you learn the complexities of the game's foundation, and then play the game itself.

Anyone else have a good analogy for how Steadicam works? Or how do you best explain things when people ask about Steadicam?

I usually say it's like playing the tuba in the marching band. It's the same idea as the hockey analogy. You've got to know how to play the instrument before you can add any choreography to it. But then again, also add learning calligraphy with your left hand.

I usually say it's like playing the tuba in the marching band. It's the same idea as the hockey analogy. You've got to know how to play the instrument before you can add any choreography to it. But then again, also add learning calligraphy with your left hand.

If I ever have to explain why it's an issue to operate with thick cables attached to the rig I tend to give the example of trying to do fine calligraphy whilst a hyperactive child randomly flicks at the other end of the pen...

If I ever have to explain why it's an issue to operate with thick cables attached to the rig I tend to give the example of trying to do fine calligraphy whilst a hyperactive child randomly flicks at the other end of the pen...

I use the "Like having a monkey yank on a piece of string tied to your arm, while you're trying to preform brain surgery." Analogy

I guess I simply have a great preference for good old modesty. Sure, operating is challenging. But so is any career. A pie maker will be honing his/her craft for their entire life.

I just watched an episode of "Making the Cut" last night - the show about the brutally grueling training regimins soldiers go through to just be accepted into the elite branches of military. My greatest fear would be to unknowingly meet one of these guys at a party and proceed to tell him that my job is challenging.